Glimpse of Europe

Day 1  Amsterdam
Start your unforgettable European adventure in Amsterdam. If you can tear your eyes from its scenic canals, you'll be staring at the city's teetering gabled homes that proclaim their birthyear with pride on their colourful façades. There's no better way to immerse yourself fully in Amsterdam's gezelligheid than taking an optional canal cruise in a glass-topped boat this evening.

Day 2  Amsterdam to Rhineland
From Amsterdam’s leafy canals to the towering spires of Cologne, your morning will be jam-packed with sights as you head east into the lush landscapes of Germany. View the imposing Gothic Cologne Cathedral then head to Boppard where you’ll board your river cruise down the Rhine. Watch the soul-stirring scenery of the Rhine Valley unfold as you kick back and watch the world go by. Arrive later at your hotel in the Rhineland where you’ll join your travel companions for dinner.

Day 3  Rhineland to Lucerne Region
Germany’s Black Forest is the perfect backdrop for this morning’s scenic drive. You’ll see why its enchanting landscapes have inspired myths and fables. Stop briefly in Schaffhausen to capture the cascading waters of the Rhine Falls, Europe’s biggest waterfall, before you arrive in the scenic region of Lake Lucerne. This evening, consider watching a Swiss folklore show which will highlight many Swiss traditions including yodelling and alpine horn playing.

Day 4  Lucerne Region
Tour the Old Town visiting the ancient Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument. See the mournful, mortally wounded lion hewn from rock to commemorate the sacrifice made by the Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution, then enjoy some time on your own. Perhaps ascend to the alpine heavens, joining a scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne, then travel by railway and cable car into the mountains for exhilarating views.

Day 5  Lucerne Region to Paris
Enjoy a brief second encounter with the Rhine River when you head north, passing Basel en route to France. Admire the scenic views of the Burgundy wine region that follow your journey north to the French capital. Get a head start on your sightseeing and delve into Paris’s grand past, dynamic present and exciting future on your own this evening. Why not join a scenic river cruise and an illuminations drive, stopping at all the best photo spots?

Day 6  Paris
Embrace elegance today with a full day to get under the skin of the City of Lights. A sightseeing tour will deliver an excellent introduction, including views of the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées. There’s time to see the sights on your own this afternoon. You could choose to hit the shops or tread in the footsteps of Picasso and Dalí in Montmartre.

Day 7  Paris
After breakfast, say farewell to your fellow travellers at the end of your holiday. Transfer to the airport for your departing flight.